Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'tell' when you mention the listener; use 'say' when you focus on the words spoken.
- Tell + Person: Always follow 'tell' with a personal object (e.g., 'Tell me').
- Say + Words: Use 'say' followed by the message or 'that' (e.g., 'Say hello').
- Say + To + Person: If you use 'say' with a person, you must use 'to' (e.g., 'Say to him').
Overview
say 和 tell 的区别，是衡量一个学生是否具备“地道感”的重要标志。作为母语为中文的学习者，我们面临的最大挑战在于：在中文里，无论是“他说”、“他告诉我”、“他跟我讲”，一个“说”字几乎可以包揽一切。然而，在英语中，say 和 tell 就像是两把功能迥异的剪刀，虽然都能剪断线头，但使用的场合和力度完全不同。He said me that...，虽然对方能听懂，但这种语法错误会瞬间暴露你的语言基础不牢固。在 B1 级别，我们不仅要追求“能沟通”，更要追求“表达精准”。掌握这两个词的区别，不仅关乎语法，更关乎你如何构建句子结构，以及如何处理英语中至关重要的“宾语”概念。本章将带你深入剖析这两个词的底层逻辑，帮助你彻底告别“中式英语”的困扰。say 和 tell 的区别，最核心的秘诀在于看“信息流向谁”。在语言学上，这涉及到“间接宾语”（Indirect Object）的概念。- 1
Tell的逻辑：信息传递（Information Transfer）
tell 的核心意义是“告知某人某事”。它强调的是一个互动的过程，信息从一个人流向另一个人。因此，在语法结构上，tell 后面必须紧跟一个“听话的人”（即人称代词或名词宾语）。- 简单理解：
tell= 告诉（某人）。
- 1
Say的逻辑：陈述内容（Utterance of Words）
say 的核心意义是“说出这些话”。它关注的是话语的内容本身，而不是谁接收了这些话。虽然你可以提到听话者，但那不是必须的，且结构更复杂。- 简单理解：
say= 说出（内容）。
tell，你不能加 to；如果你用 say，你必须加 to。这种细微的差别正是中国学生最容易混淆的地方。Say | Tell |that 从句，不直接接人 | 后面必须先接“人”，再接内容 |say to someone | 直接接人，严禁说 tell to someone |Say 的常用模式- 模式 A：
say + (that) + clause
She said (that) she was busy with her graduation thesis.（她说她正忙着写毕业论文。）- *注意：
that在口语中常省略，但在正式写作（如雅思、托福）中建议保留。*
- 模式 B：
say + to + object + (that) + clause
to。He said to me that the meeting was canceled.（他跟我说会议取消了。）
Tell 的常用模式- 模式 A：
tell + object + (that) + clause
tell 最标准的用法，宾语（人）必须紧跟在动词后。My manager told me (that) the project deadline was extended.（经理告诉我项目截止日期延长了。）
- 模式 B：
tell + object + to do something
say 无法直接实现的结构。The teacher told the students to put away their phones.（老师让学生们把手机收起来。）
He said me... (X) | He told me... (O) |He told to me... (X) | He said to me... (O) |He said me to go. (X) | He told me to go. (O) |say 还是 tell 取决于你想要强调的重点以及具体的语境。Say 的场景- 强调话语内容： 当你只想转述某人的观点、声明或事实，而不关心谁听到了。例如在阅读新闻或公告时：
The news says that the stock market is volatile.（新闻说股市波动很大。） - 直接引语： 在引用原话时，几乎总是用
say。"I'm hungry," he said. - 固定搭配：
say hello / goodbye（打招呼/告别）say sorry / thank you（道歉/道谢）say a prayer（祈祷）- *例子：
Remember to say thank you when you receive a red envelope during Spring Festival.（过年收到红包记得说谢谢。）*
Tell 的场景- 传递具体信息或指令： 当你扮演一个“传声筒”的角色，把信息精准地给到某人。
Could you tell me how to get to the nearest subway station?（你能告诉我最近的地铁站怎么走吗？） - 讲故事或讲笑话： 这类需要听众参与的表达通常用
tell。 tell a story（讲故事）tell a joke（讲笑话）tell a lie / the truth（撒谎/说实话）- *例子：
My grandfather used to tell us stories about his life in the countryside.（我爷爷以前常给我们讲他在农村生活的故事。）* - 辨别与区分：
tell the difference（辨别差异）tell the time（看时间/识钟）
Say 后面直接加人（L1 干扰：他跟我说...）- 错误：
He said me that he liked milk tea. - 分析： 中文说“他说我...”，但在英语里
say是不及物动词性质的用法（在接人时），它不能直接吃掉一个“人”。 - 修正：
He told me that...或者He said to me that...。
Tell 后面不加人（L1 干扰：他告诉说...）- 错误：
He told that he would arrive at 8 PM. - 分析： 在中文里我们可以省略听众，说“他告诉说他八点到”。但在英语里，
tell是强及物动词，它后面必须有一个接收者，否则句子结构就不完整。 - 修正：
He told us that...或者He said that...。
- 错误：
My mom said me to clean the room. - 分析： 这是典型的结构错位。
say不能引导object + to do结构。如果你想表达“叫某人做某事”，必须用tell。 - 修正：
My mom told me to clean the room.
say 和 tell，英语中还有 speak 和 talk，这四个词构成了“说”字阵营的四大天王。B1 级别的学生需要清晰区分它们的界限。Say | 侧重内容，后接 that 从句 | She said she was happy. |Tell | 侧重告知，后接宾语（人） | He told me the secret. |Speak | 侧重能力或正式场合，单向 | Speak English, Speak at a conference |Talk | 侧重交流、讨论，双向互动 | Talk with friends, Talk about Taobao deals |Tell vs. Speak/Talk：Speak和Talk通常需要介词with或to才能接人（talk to me,speak with him）。Tell是唯一一个可以直接、必须直接接人的词（tell me）。
tell to me 吗？我在有些歌词里听过。tell 后面直接跟宾语。如果你听到了 tell to me，那通常是非标准方言或者是为了押韵而进行的文学创作。在高考、雅思或商务邮件中，请务必使用 tell me。say？比如 The clock says 10:00.say。就像我们说 The sign says 'No Parking'（牌子上写着禁止停车）。这里不涉及信息的流向，只是内容的呈现。that 到底能不能省？He said he'd call back. 但在学术论文、正式报告或者为了避免歧义的长句中，加上 that 会让你的逻辑更清晰，显得更专业。tell；如果你想直接说那件事，就用 say。只要不把这两个顺序搞混，你的语法准确率就能提高 90% 以上！Irregular Forms of Say and Tell
| Base Form | Past Simple | Past Participle | Third Person Singular | Present Participle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Say
|
Said /sed/
|
Said /sed/
|
Says /sez/
|
Saying
|
|
Tell
|
Told /toʊld/
|
Told /toʊld/
|
Tells
|
Telling
|
Meanings
The primary function of 'say' and 'tell' is to report information, thoughts, or instructions that were previously expressed by someone else.
Reporting Information
Using verbs to relay a message from one person to another.
“He said that the meeting was canceled.”
“They told us the news this morning.”
Giving Instructions
Using 'tell' to report an order or a strong request.
“The doctor told me to stay in bed.”
“She told him not to worry.”
Idiomatic Expressions
Fixed phrases where only one of the two verbs is correct regardless of the general rule.
“Tell a lie / Tell the truth.”
“Say a prayer.”
Reference Table
| 动词 | 用法说明 | 直接引语示例 | 间接引语示例 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
say
|
一般转述，动词后不直接加听众。
|
`He said, "I'm tired." `
|
`He said he was tired.`
|
|
say to
|
如果一定要加听众，必须加 to，但不常用。
|
`She said to me, "It's late." `
|
`She said to me that it was late.`
|
|
tell
|
后面必须紧跟听众（直接宾语）。
|
`He told me, "Come here!" `
|
`He told me to come there.`
|
|
tell
|
用于指令、信息、故事、秘密或新闻。
|
`She told her friend, "I have a secret." `
|
`She told her friend she had a secret.`
|
|
tell
|
用于命令：tell + 人 + to do。
|
`My boss told us, "Finish by Friday." `
|
`My boss told us to finish by Friday.`
|
|
say
|
引导 that 从句，that 经常省略。
|
`He said (that) he would be late.`
|
`He said (that) he would be late.`
|
|
tell
|
引导 that 从句，人不可省，that 可省。
|
`She told them (that) she loved it.`
|
`She told them (that) she loved it.`
|
正式程度
He informed me of his resignation. (Workplace gossip)
He told me he was quitting. (Workplace gossip)
He said he's out of here. (Workplace gossip)
He was like, 'I'm done.' (Workplace gossip)
按水平分级的例句
He says 'Hello'.
He says 'Hello'.
Tell me your name.
Tell me your name.
She said 'Yes'.
She said 'Yes'.
They told us the secret.
They told us the secret.
I told him that I was busy.
I told him that I was busy.
What did you say to her?
What did you say to her?
He told a very funny joke.
He told a very funny joke.
She said she didn't like the food.
She said she didn't like the food.
The teacher told the students to open their books.
The teacher told the students to open their books.
I said that I would think about it.
I said that I would think about it.
Can you tell me how to get to the station?
Can you tell me how to get to the station?
He said to me that he was moving to London.
He said to me that he was moving to London.
It is said that the castle is haunted.
It is said that the castle is haunted.
He told me off for being late again.
He told me off for being late again.
I couldn't tell if she was joking or not.
I couldn't tell if she was joking or not.
She said she'd been waiting for over an hour.
She said she'd been waiting for over an hour.
To tell you the truth, I'm quite disappointed.
To tell you the truth, I'm quite disappointed.
The evidence says otherwise.
The evidence says otherwise.
I was told that the position had been filled.
I was told that the position had been filled.
Needless to say, we were all very surprised.
Needless to say, we were all very surprised.
There is much to be said for his approach.
There is much to be said for his approach.
The clock told of a time long forgotten.
The clock told of a time long forgotten.
He has the final say in all budgetary matters.
He has the final say in all budgetary matters.
I can't tell one twin from the other.
I can't tell one twin from the other.
容易混淆
Learners use 'say' when they mean the act of talking or using a language.
Learners use 'tell' to describe a two-way conversation.
Learners forget the 'to' when using 'say' with a person.
常见错误
He said me hello.
He said hello to me.
She told that she is happy.
She said that she is happy.
I tell to him the news.
I tell him the news.
He said me his name.
He told me his name.
They said us to wait.
They told us to wait.
Can you say me the time?
Can you tell me the time?
He told a prayer.
He said a prayer.
I said him that I would come.
I told him that I would come.
She told to me a lie.
She told me a lie.
He said me to shut up.
He told me to shut up.
The report tells that profits are up.
The report says that profits are up.
句型
She told me that ___.
He said, '___'.
They told us to ___.
It's hard to tell the difference between ___ and ___.
Real World Usage
He said he's gonna be late.
My previous boss told me I was a great team player.
The witness said that the car was blue.
I told him to turn left at the light.
The post says the event is canceled.
The agent told me my refund was processed.
先找“听众”在哪里
He told me the news.
别对故事用 'say'！
tell a story, tell a lie, tell the truth。千万别说 say a story 哦！把 tell 当作“传递信息”
Tell me about your trip.
美剧里的 'that' 经常消失
用过去的事情来练习
Smart Tips
Stop! Change it to 'told me' or 'said to me'.
Always use 'tell' + person + 'to'. It's the cleanest way to report an order.
Always check for the 'to'.
Use 'says', not 'tells'.
发音
The 'Said' Vowel
The word 'said' is pronounced with a short /e/ sound, like 'bed'. It does NOT rhyme with 'paid'.
The 'Says' Vowel
Similarly, 'says' is pronounced /sez/, rhyming with 'fez', not /seɪz/.
Told Diphthong
The 'o' in 'told' is a long diphthong /oʊ/, like in 'gold' or 'cold'.
Reporting Emphasis
He TOLD me (not just said it!)
Emphasizing 'told' stresses that the information was specifically directed at the listener.
记住它
记忆技巧
TELL needs a TAIL (a person at the end of the verb). SAY is for what you SPAY (speak/display).
视觉联想
Imagine the word 'TELL' having a long arm reaching out to grab a person (me, you, him). Imagine 'SAY' as a speech bubble containing only words, with no one nearby.
Rhyme
If you mention who you sell the news to, use TELL. If the words are all you say, then SAY is the way.
Story
Tom wanted to share a secret. He **said** 'I have a secret' to the wall. Then he saw Mary. He **told Mary** the secret. Mary **said** 'Wow!' and then she **told everyone**.
Word Web
挑战
Look at your last 3 sent text messages. If you were reporting them to a friend, would you use 'say' or 'tell'? Write them out now.
文化笔记
Using 'tell' for orders is common, but in some cultures, it can sound too direct or aggressive. Using 'He said that I should...' is slightly softer than 'He told me to...'.
In casual American English, 'be like' is frequently used instead of 'say' or 'tell' to report speech and thoughts simultaneously.
The phrase 'I've been told' is a common polite way to introduce a piece of information without naming the source, often used in professional settings.
Both verbs come from Old English roots. 'Say' comes from 'secgan' (to say, speak, tell), and 'tell' comes from 'tellan' (to count, reckon, relate).
对话开场白
What did your best friend tell you recently?
Tell me about a time someone told you a secret.
What is the funniest joke someone has ever told you?
If you could say one thing to your younger self, what would it be?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
She ___ me she couldn't make it to the party.
Find and fix the mistake:
The news reporter told that the storm was approaching.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercisesShe ___ me that she was tired.
He ___ that he would be late for the meeting.
Find and fix the mistake:
I said him to be quiet.
He said to me, 'I am hungry.'
Match the following:
A: What did the doctor ___ you? B: He ___ I should eat more vegetables.
Select the correct sentence.
You can use 'say' with a person if you use 'to'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMy coach always ___ us to train harder.
The weather forecast told it would rain tomorrow.
选择正确的句子：
翻译成英语：'我的教授让我读第三章。'
将单词排列成句子：
将动词与正确的结构匹配：
The sign ___ 'No Parking'.
选择正确的句子：
翻译成英语：'她说她会给我回电话。'
He told a lie on his resume.
将单词排列成句子：
匹配句首和正确的句尾：
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
Yes, but only in specific idioms like `tell a lie`, `tell the truth`, `tell a story`, or `tell the time`.
Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is much less common than `He told me`. It sounds a bit more formal or old-fashioned.
`Tell` is for giving information (one-way), while `talk` is for having a conversation (two-way).
This is an old idiomatic use of 'tell' meaning 'to count' or 'to account for'.
Yes! `Tell me that you love me` is a perfect example of 'tell + person + that-clause'.
No. `Said` is pronounced /sed/, rhyming with 'red' or 'bed'.
You can, but you need to use 'that' and a modal verb: `He said that I should go`. `He told me to go` is more direct.
If you aren't mentioning the listener, you must use `say`. Example: `Someone said there was a fire.`
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
decir / contar
Spanish allows 'me dijo' (he said me), which is impossible in English.
dire / raconter
French doesn't have a direct equivalent to the 'tell + person' structural rule.
sagen / erzählen
German 'sagen' is used more often with people than English 'say'.
iu (言う) / tsutaeru (伝える)
Japanese doesn't distinguish between say/tell based on the presence of a listener in the same way.
qala (قال) / akhbara (أخبر)
Arabic uses one verb ('qala') for both 'say' and 'tell' in 90% of cases.
shuō (说) / gàosù (告诉)
Chinese 'shuō' can sometimes take a person as an object in casual speech.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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